DIY eLearning: 9 Simple Tips To Make Your Own Online Training Videos

One of the best ways to cut costs is doing it yourself (DIY). But does this apply to high quality online training videos? In this article, I’ll share 9 simple tips to make your own videos for online training.

DIY eLearning: How To Make Your Own Online Training Videos

Is your online training course lacking interactivity? Do you need to provide your employees a step-by-step walkthrough of work-related tasks? Are your employees tired of the same old compliance presentations and slideshows? If you’ve answered “yes!” to any of these questions, then it may be time for an online training video. Here are 9 DIY eLearning tips to produce your own online training videos.

1. Find An Affordable Rapid Authoring Tool

There are a number of rapid authoring tools that feature video templates, themes, and multimedia. These platforms make it easy and affordable to create your own online training videos, even if you don’t have prior experience. The secret is finding the right tool at the right price. Many vendors provide free trials and demos, which allow you to test out the interface before making any commitments. Verify that the tool has the features and functionality you need. Also, don’t forget to check out their asset library. Most platforms have interactions, themes, and other elements that you can add to your online training video production.

2. Use A Storyboard Template

Storyboards serve as a visual outline for your online training video. You’re able to highlight every scene, screenshot, and character. Instead of developing a storyboard from scratch, use a storyboard template to save yourself the time and trouble. There are a number of free storyboard templates online. Or opt for an authoring tool that has them built-in. Then meet with your team to brainstorm ideas and map out each scene. Use placeholders for more interactive elements or media that is still in the works.

3. Add A Broad Range Of Multimedia

There are countless reasons why you should add a good mix of multimedia to your online training video. Not only does it improve employee engagement, but it caters to a diverse range of learning styles. For example, visual learners have images and audio learners get background music and narration. This helps to improve knowledge comprehension and retention. Everyone gets the information they require in a way that’s easy for them to assimilate. If you don’t have the time or resources to integrate new multimedia, repurpose existing materials or use royalty free sites.

4. Offer Additional Resource Links

Online training videos often serve as a springboard. Employees watch the online training video and then seek out additional information to broaden their understanding. For example, they look for other videos or interactive exercises to hone related skills. However, you can make professional development even more convenient by incorporating additional resource links. For example, an eBook or task simulation that reinforces the key takeaways.

5. Keep It Visually Engaging

People have short attention spans. They’re only able to concentrate for a few seconds at a time before distractions pull them away. As such, you need to keep your online training video engaging and immersive. Include compelling images, display infographics to highlight trends, and use characters that employees relate to. Your color scheme can even draw them in and set the emotional tone. For instance, bold reds and oranges energize, while cool blues and greens help de-stress your employees.

6. Ask Your Subject Matter Expert To Outline The Video Script

Your Subject Matter Expert may not be available to write the video script. Or you simply want to tackle the task yourself. Whatever the case, you can always ask them to create an outline that you can use to frame the video script. For example, the core ideas or concepts that employees must take away from the online training experience. You’re able to write your own video script based on this framework or outsource the job to a professional writer. Either way, it’s backed by the experience and expertise of your Subject Matter Expert.

7. Record Your Own Audio

Many online training developers are reluctant to record their own audio. They believe they don’t have the right equipment or experience. However, all you need is a quality microphone, audio editing software, and some basic know-how. Find a quiet spot that is free of distractions and narrate your video script. There are a number of free audio recording/editing tools, such as Audacity. This allows you to record your video narration, edit out background and white noise, then produce an MP3 or WAV file. Simply sync this file with your visual elements and add free sound effects and background music.

8. Include A Summary And Knowledge Refreshers

Start with a brief overview of what you’ll cover during the online training video. Then end with a recap of the main discussion points. Take a step further by incorporating self-assessments. This gives employees the opportunity to test their own understanding and identify areas for improvement. As a result, they are able to seek out additional online resources to bridge knowledge and performance gaps.

9. Collect Employee Feedback

It’s difficult to be unbiased, especially since you created the online training video yourself. However, you must look at your online training video from different perspectives to gauge its effectiveness, which is why you should solicit feedback from your employees. Conduct surveys and polls to find out their honest opinions. Did they like the images you chose? Did the narrator connect with them on a personal level? What would they change about the online training video? After you collect the data, use it to improve your production and make it even more engaging.

You don’t have to be a graphic designer, professional recording artist, or Hollywood producer to crate amazing online training videos. These 9 tips can help you develop a top notch online training video production on your own. Of course, it never hurts to have your eLearning team on-hand to offer their expertise.

Use mysimpleshow to make the perfect video based on your script or your uploaded Power Point, illustrate your story with images that stay in mind, preview and publish; 4 simple steps to enter the amazing world of video-making.

About the Author

Christopher Pappas is founder of The eLearning Industry’s Network, which is the largest online community of professionals involved in the eLearning Industry. Christopher holds an MBA, and an MEd (Learning Design) from BGSU. eLearning Blogger | EduTechpreneur | eLearning Analyst | Speaker | Social Media Addict